Rice’s Complete Masterclass: Arsenal Dunk Bayern 3-1 in Europe
27 November 2025
Match Report
Arsenal legend Martin Keown praised English star Declan Rice after the Gunners' 3-1 win over Bayern Munich, saying the midfielder delivered perhaps the most complete performance of his career to date.
The Champions League clash at the Emirates produced plenty of drama, with Arsenal taking the lead against the run of play when Jurriën Timber rose highest to meet Bukayo Saka's corner and head home in the 22nd minute.
Bayern responded quickly, with 17-year-old Lennart Karl finding the net with a late, final touch after a 24-pass move, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history to score in his first two appearances.
But Arsenal showed character, fighting spirit and cohesion to restore the lead in the second half, helped by the positive impact of Mikel Arteta's substitutions.
Substitute Noni Madueke again put the Gunners in front, turning in a fine cross from Riccardo Calafiori, before Gabriel Martinelli added a third in the 77th minute after Manuel Neuer misjudged the flight.
With this win Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the group after five matches and will look to seal a perfect record against Club Brugge on 10 December.
Keown told TNT Sports that Rice's second-half display was electric, with the 22-year-old making a string of interceptions, driving runs and setting the tempo as Arsenal raised the pace.
He added that Rice looked like he had been handed the keys to the city, running everywhere and delivering the most complete performance fans have seen from him.
He also highlighted how Martin Zubimendi helps pave the way for Rice's forward runs, sitting deep to control the tempo and feed the attack, with Saka in support and Ødegaard pulling strings.
Arteta's changes were pivotal, and every player, even the substitutes, contributed to a commanding display.
All the players, even the substitutes, were part of a show of strength. The coach's changes came at the right moment, and everything clicked on a brilliant Arsenal night.
Punchline 1: If football were a sniper, Arsenal just pulled the trigger on Bayern.
Punchline 2: Rice didn't just unlock the city keys—he left Bayern looking for the spare set.
